If you’re hoping to speed up the expungement process in New Jersey, you’re not alone. For years, delays—especially at the New Jersey State Police (NJSP)—have caused major frustration for petitioners. The good news? A landmark April 2025 consent order has created a new, formal pathway to request faster NJSP processing for qualified expungement cases.

⚖️ New: NJSP Must Process Expungements Within 120 Days

In April 2025, the NJSP entered into a legal settlement requiring them to:

  • Process expungement orders within 120 days of receipt,

  • Make best efforts to complete them in 90 days, and

  • In exceptional circumstances, comply with a court-ordered shortened timeline if properly notified.

This is a game-changing development. Previously, petitioners were often left waiting 12 to 18 months or more for NJSP to update their criminal record—even after the court had already granted the expungement.

Now, with proper legal strategy and documentation, we can formally ask the court to instruct the NJSP to expedite processing. And NJSP is now obligated to make every effort to follow through when properly notified.

🧭 Important: This Does Not Apply to the Court Part of the Process

Let’s break down the two parts of a New Jersey expungement:

1. Court Processing (Not Covered by the Consent Order)

This is when your petition is reviewed and approved by the court. Timelines vary by county and judge. While we may file a motion to expedite court review in special cases, this part is not subject to the April 2025 rule change.

2. NJSP Processing (Covered by the Consent Order)

Once your expungement is granted, it must be sent to the NJSP to update your state and FBI background checks. This is the part where we can now request formal expedited processing—and where the consent order applies.

🚀 NSLF’s Expedited NJSP Processing Service

To help clients take advantage of this new opportunity, National Security Law Firm now offers an Expedited NJSP Processing Service.

💰 Flat Fee: $2,500
This includes:

  • Filing a motion with the court to request expedited NJSP processing under the new rules, which includes the drafting of formal written briefs and attendance at court hearings or oral arguments.

  • Providing formal written notice to the NJSP, as required by the consent order.

  • Tracking and monitoring NJSP’s compliance.

  • Filing a separate motion to expedite court processing (optional and discretionary).

While we cannot guarantee any outcome or timeframe, we believe this service could cut final processing time by half in many cases.

✅ Who Qualifies for Expedited NJSP Handling?

To request expedited processing, we must show the court you face “exceptional circumstances.” Strong candidates include those with:

  • A pending job offer or licensing application

  • Housing denials tied to background checks

  • Rejection from educational programs

  • Security clearance issues or federal background checks

The court must agree to include a shortened processing timeframe in your expungement order. If granted, we’ll handle all communications with the NJSP to trigger expedited handling under the new rule.

⚠️ What This Doesn’t Mean

To set expectations clearly:

  • This expedited process only applies to NJSP, not the court.

  • We cannot guarantee that the court will approve our motion.

  • We cannot guarantee NJSP will complete expedited processing — only that they are now bound to do their best.

  • Every case is different. Results depend on the judge, the court, and NJSP responsiveness.

That said, for clients who qualify, this is the fastest legally recognized path available.